Judge appointed to examine Shine allegations

A former High Court judge has been appointed to examine allegations of sexual assault against struck-off medic Michael Shine at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda.

Health Minister Mary Harney has recruited retired judge T.C Smyth to hear complaints made against the disgraced consultant to decide if a full inquiry should be opened.

Support group Dignity 4 Patients maintains almost 180 patients have now claimed they were abused while Shine worked at Our Lady of Lourdes for 30 years up to 1994.